Pull away safety neckwear

ABSTRACT

Attachable neckwear suitable for wear where safety clothing is required is described. The neckband portion of the neckwear contains a connecting member having two sections which are joined together in a releasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension. If the front portion of the neckwear such as a necktie becomes entangled in operating machinery in an industrial setting, the connecting member becomes disengaged thereby causing the tie to be removed from the neck with no injury to the wearer.

Unite tates Beaudin, Jr. et a1.

met

[4 Mar. 25, 1975 1 PULL AWAY SAFETY NECKWEAR [76] Inventors: Gerald P.Beaudin, Jr., 769 Mt.

Vista La., Webster, NY. 14580; Dale E. McClain, 150 Prentiss Way,Henrietta, NY. 14467 22 Filed: Dec. 22, 1972 21 Appl. No: 317,523

[52] [1.8. CI. 2/155 [51] Int. Cl A41d 25/16 {58] Field of Search 2/144,145, 146, 149, 150,

[561 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,002,825 5/1935 McWhirter2/155 2,081,606 5/1937 Sorkind 2/155 2,834,967 5/1958 Taksa 2/155 5/1973Abramowitz ..2/144 6/1973 Orr ..2/150 Primary E.\aminerPatrick D. LawsonAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Denson & Kurtzman [57] ABSTRACT Attachableneckwear suitable for wear where safety clothing is required isdescribed. The neckband p0rtion of the neckwear contains a connectingmember having two sections which are joined together in a releasablyengageable manner and are completely separable under tension. 1f thefront portion of the neckwear such as a necktie becomes entangled inoperating machinery in an industrial setting, the connecting memberbecomes disengaged thereby causing the tie to be removed from the neckwith no injury to the wearer.

21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 1, PULL AWAY SAFETY NECKWEAR BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION This invention relates to safety neckwear and morespecifically to neckwear suitable for use in environments where safetyis required.

Wearing of neckwear such as neckties is considered dangerous in manyoccupations and locations. This is particularly true in industrialsettings where operating machinery is located. Neckties, particularly,present a safety hazard since they can become entangled in operatingmachinery and either pull the wearer into the machinery or cause chokingof the wearer. Service maintenance personnel are also confronted withthe same hazard in that a necktie can become caught in the equipmentbeing serviced or repaired. Neckties as well as other forms of neckwearpose a different type of potential hazard where military or police workis involved. Neckwear worn about the neck of the individuals engaged inthese inherently dangerous vocations may be utilized by an accoster tostrangle the wearer.

Generally, in those areas or occupations where conventional necktiespresent a potential safety hazard, attachable pre-tied ties arerequired. Of the several types of attachable ties available, the typegenerally most suitable for safety purposes is the clip-on type (i.e.,the tie is clipped to the collar by a pair of spring loaded clips),since this type of attachable pre-tied tie will pull away from the neckof the wearer when the front portion of the tie is pulled. Other typesof attachable, pretied ties are unsuitable because they are generallyheld in place by a hook, clip, snap or button situated on the neckbandsection of the tie. When this latter class of attachable tie becomesentangled in machinery, it will not break away from the neck of thewearer, and the wearer may be either pulled into dangerous operatingequipment or he may be strangled. Typical attachable ties are describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,684,150, 1,267,387, 1,621,753, 2,002,825, 2,879,517,and Re 18224.

Even though clip-on types of attachable pre-tied ties are suitable foruse in environments where safety is required, there are severaldisadvantages associated with wearing these types of ties. For example,many clip-on ties do not closely simulate the appearance of conventional forms of neckties. Others do not provide a neat and close fit.Besides being aesthetically unattractive, many attachable ties arecumbersome in the securing means and tend to sag at the knot portion orare awkward to fasten. Frequently, tie wearers are desirous ofunfastening the top most button ofa shirt and loosening a tie forcomfort reasons. However, several of the currently used clip-on tiescannot be conveniently loosened about the neck. Unfortunately, safety isthwarted when an individual does not wear pull away neckwear because ofone or more of the above disadvantages.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore. an object of this inventionto provide a novel type of neckwear suitable for wear in environmentswhere safety is required.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel means forjoining neckband sections of attachable neckwear.

It is a further object of this invention to provide neckwear capable ofbeing readily removed by a slight pull on the front portion of theneckwear.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide an..attachablenecktie which closely simulates a regular tie.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an attachable tiewhich can readily be made from existing regular ties.

A still further object of this invention is to provide neckwear which isreadily attachable and removable.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an attachable tiewhich can be loosened about the neck of the wearer without removal ofthe tie.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are accomplished withneckwear having a novel connecting member situated in the neckbandportion ofthe neckwear. The connecting member contains two sections andjoins together the two neckband sections to which it is attached. Thetwo sections of the connecting member are joined together in areleasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension.

A primary advantage of the neckwear of this invention is'that it issuitable for wear in environments where safety is required such asindustrial areas where operating machinery is located. Since theconnecting member is separable under tension, a slight pull on the frontportion of the neckwear will cause the connecting member to becomedisengaged. The disengagement causes the entire neckwear to be quicklyremoved from the neck with no injury to the wearer. Thus, should thefront portion of neckwear such as a necktie become entangled inoperating machinery, the connecting member will immediately becomedisengaged and the entire tie will be removed.

The neckwear of this invention has many of the same advantages as theconventional clip-on types of neckwear. The neckwear need only be tiedonce and can be worn subsequently without undoing the knot. Attachmentand removal are greatly facilitated by the design of the connectingmember. Additionally, the neckwear of this invention has severaladvantages over clip-on types of neckwear because the connecting membercan be positioned on the back or on the side of the neck of the wearer.For example, it is readily adjustable in the same manner as conventionalregular neckties. Also, it may be loosened about the neck and worn withthe top button of the shirt unbuttoned.

Aesthetically, the neckwear of this invention is indistinguishable fromconventional tie-on type neckwear again because of the location of theconnecting member on the back or side of the neck of the wearer.Moreover, the novel neckwear described herein provides a more positiveattachment to the wearer whereas many clip-on types of neckwear have atendency to slip from their original position.

A very distinct advantage of this invention is that conventional tiesmay be converted to ties suitable for wear 'in safety environment merelyby severing the tie in the neckband portion and attaching the connectingmember of this invention at the place of severance and thereafterrejoining the neckband sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall view-of a necktieencompassing the novel features of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of one embodiment ofa fastening means usefulin this invention.

FIG. 3. is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a fastening meansuseful in this invention.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting memberof this invention.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting memberof this invention.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting memberof this invention.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting memberof this invention.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting memberof this invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of a connecting member ofthis invention.

FIG. 10 is asectional view taken along 1l--ll of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 sets forth an overall viewofa necktie 1. While a four-in-hand variety of tie is shown, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to this particular type oftie but extends to all types of neckwear including bow ties, scarves,kerchiefs, etc. Necktie 1 contains a front portion 6 which is normallyvisible tothe observer. In environments where safety is required andparticularly where operating machinery is located, front portion 6represents a safety hazard since it may get entangled in the operatingmachine and draw the wearer into the machinery. Front portion 6terminates in knot 5. Also connected to knot 5 are a first neckbandsection 3 and a second neckband section 4. The remaining ends ofneckband sections 3 and 4 are fastened to connecting member 2 bystitching 7 or other suitable fastening means such as those described inFIGS. 2 and 3. Neckband sections 3 and 4 together comprise the neckbandportion of tie l.

In FIG. 1 it is significant to note that even though the tie may bepre-tied and remain tied, nevertheless; it is adjustable in the samemanner as a conventional tie. It functions in all other respects in thesame manner as a regular tie except it is positioned about the neck ofthe wearer much more rapidly than conventional ties and is removablemerely by pulling on the front portion.

Connecting member 2 is fastened to neckband section 3 and 4 in anyone ofseveral different ways. The preferred mode of affixing connecting member2 to neckband sections 3 and 4 is by stitching. If connecting member 2is not amenable to stitching, several alternative mechanical fasteningmeans for attachment are available. Primary consideration in selecting afastening means is that it have some mechanism for gripping the neckbandsections as well as the connecting member. FIG. 2 shows an embodimentofa fastening means suitable for use in this invention. The end ofneckband section 2I is held in position by a suspender type clamp 20.The end 24 of neckband section 23 is also attached to clamp 20. In thisembodiment. clamp functions as a fastening means as well as a connectingmember.

FIG. 3 represents another embodiment ofa fastening means which isattached to both a connecting member 31 and neckband section 32. Amovable catch with teeth 33 engages neckband section 32.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of-a connecting member suitable for use inthe invention. A flat flexible female section 53 is attached on one endof a neckband section 57. Female section 53 contains a keyhole slotcomprised of aperture 54 which extends through the section and a slot 55which extends inwardly from a forward edge of the female sectionterminating at aperture 54. A flat flexible male section 51 contains astud situated on the surface thereof. The stud contains substantiallyspherical head 52 and a neck 58. Also attached to the male section 51 isthe end of neckband section 56 of the neckwear. In operation, stud neck58 is inserted through slot 55 terminating in aperture 54. The diameterof stud head 52 is slightly greater than the diameter of aperture 54thereby preventing vertical disengagement of the member. Lateraldisengagement is prevented by the width of stud neck 58 being slightlygreater than slot 55 in the vicinity of aperture 54.

In FIG. 5 another type of connecting member contains a flat flexiblemale section 64. Situated on the surface of the male section is ridge 65which extends transversely across the male section. Also attached to themale section is neckband section 66. Ridge 65 is situated slightly awayfrom the forward edge of the section so as to provide a leading edge 67for insertion into a mating flat flexible female section 61. Situated onthe surface of female section 61 is a loop 62. The height of loop 62 isslightly less than the height of ridge 65 in order to provide a snugfit. The remaining neckband section 63 is attached to female section 61.In operation. leading edge 67 of male member 64 and ridge 65 areinserted through loop 62. Loop 62, being made of flexible material,expands slightly to allow for the passage therethrough of ridge 65.After ridge 65 passes under loop 62, the neckwear is locked in' place byloop 62 returning to its original shape. While only one loop is shown,additional loops may be employed for safety purposes.

In FIG. 6, the connecting member contains a flexible male section havingan elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of the section 72. Afemale section of the connecting member contains groove 71 extending thelength of one edge of the female section. Groove 71 is shaped incomplimentary fashion to ridge 72 in order to provide an interlockingfit of the two pieces. Female section 71 is attached to the neckbandsection 74 and male section 72 is attached to the remaining neckbandsection 73 by stitching or other suitable means such as those describedin FIGS. 2 and 3. In operation the sections of the connecting member areengaged merely by forcing male section 72 into female section 71.

In FIG. 7, the flexible male section 82 ofthe connecting member containsstuds 85 situated on an edge thereof. Also attached to male section 82is neckband section 83. Flexible female section 81 contains recessessituated in the edge suitable for receiving in mating relation the studs85. In operation. the wearer merely inserts studs 85 into recessescontained in 81. A tight secure fit is obtainable by virtue ofthe factthat the diameter of the recesses is slightly smaller than the diameterof the studs 85.

Connecting member 2 of FIG; I may be ornamentally designed such as apiece ofjewelry or as a part of a cufflink or tie clasp set. FIG. 8 setsforth a connecting member encompassing such an embodiment. Each section91 and 93 of the connecting member is made of material which is capableof providing a shiny or metallic exterior surface such as a gold,silver'or platinum simulated or actual appearance. Neckband'section 95is attached to section 91 and neckband section 94 is attached to section93. Protruding from one edge of section 91 is a spring clasp or springtension clip member 92. Section 93 contains a partially hollow recessedarea 96 suitable for receiving clasp 92 in mating relationship. When thetwo sections are joined together, clasp 92 is pushed inward and held inplace by the spring tension of the clasp 92 against the wall of thehollow recessed area 96 in section 93.

The sliding dovetail connecting member in FIG. 9 contains a flatflexible male section having a body sec tion 110 and a tapered head ortongue section 113. The widest portion of head section 113 is at theforward edge while the narrowest portion is where head section 113abutts body section 110. Affixed to the male section is neckband section116. A flat flexible female section 112 contains complementary shapedchannels 122 with respect to head section 123 (FIG. 10) diagonallydisposed on the surface of female section 112 and in close proximity tothe corner edges thereof. The sides 125 of head portion 123 and thesides 124 of channel 122 may be beveled so as to prevent verticaldisengagement of the portions as shown in FIG. 11. Neckband section 115is attached to the female section 112. In operation head portion 113 ofthe male section is inserted into channels 122 of the female portion112. Thereafter, head portion 113 is firmly seated in position bypulling the male section and female section in opposite directions.After head 113 is completely seated, a small gap 114 is situated betweenthe two portions. Final adjustment for comfort purposes is made byadjusting the front portion of the tie through a slip knot.

In all of the above embodiments, the sections of the connecting memberare designed so that they separate from each other when they are undertension. The term tension" as used herein relates to a force on theconnecting member which acts in a direction away from the center of theconnecting member. The connecting member may be designed so that apredetermined force is necessary to cause separation. Primaryconsiderations in selecting the force to be utilized in the design ofthe member are ease of engagement and ease of disengagement. Maximumforce of about 50 pounds is more than adequate to cause engagement anddisengagement of the sections of the connecting member. Greater forcescreate an inconvenience to the wearer in engaging the sections. Lowerforces such as from about 1 to about 30 pounds are suitable for mostintended applications.

When a necktie of this invention is caught in a machine with movingparts, the tie is immediately pulled off the wearer when the tension onthe connecting member is greater than that for which the member isdesigned. Such forces are also much lower than the force necessary tocut off circulation or breath in the neck area of the wearer. thuseliminating the additional possibility of choking.

In many instances it is desirable to construct the connecting memberfrom a flexible material. Particularly suited for this purpose arevarious polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Inaddition to being flexible, such polymeric materials readily accept thestitching so that they are easily attachable to the neckband sections ofthe neckwear.

Where the neckwear used with the connecting members described herein isa necktie, the primary means of adjustment is the slip knot in thefront. Alternatively, an adjustment link may be employed in the neckbandportion of the necktie as a secondary adjustment source.

While several specific connecting members have been shown, anyconnecting member having two sections which are joinable in a releasablyengageable manner and are completely separable under tension are usefulwith the neckwear described herein.

As described above, the invention set forth herein is suitable forconverting existing ties to make them amenable for environments wheresafety is required or the ties may be manufactured with the connectingmember already in position.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

We claim:

1. Neckwear having a front neckwear portion and a neckband portioncomprising a first neckband section and a second neckband section, and aconnecting member suitable for joining togetherone end of said firstneckband section and one end of said second neckband section, saidconnecting member being comprised of a male section and a female sectionjoined together in a releasably engageable manner. whereby said sectionsare completely separable from a'pull upon the first neckwear portion.

2. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said neckband portion isadjustable.

3. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein the remaining end of saidfirst neckband section and the re maining end of said second neckbandsection are joined together by a knot.

4. Neckwear as defined in claim 3 wherein the front neckwear portion isattached to said knot.

5. Neckwear as defined in claim 4 wherein said neckwear portion containsa four-in-hand type knot.

6. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting membercomprises (a) a flat flexible female section having an aperture whichextends through said section and a slot extending inwardly from aforward edge of said section to said aperture and (b) a flat flexiblemale section having a stud situated on the surface thereof, said studhaving a neck portion suitable for sliding through the slot in saidfemale section and a substantially spherical head portion having adiameter greater than the aperture in said female section.

7. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said con,

necting member comprises (a) a longitudinal flat flexible male sectionhaving on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridge situated inclose proximity to the end of said section and (b) a flat longitudinalfemale section having at least one loop positioned on the surfacethereof and extending transversely across said surface said loop beingsuitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.

8. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said .con-

. necting member comprises:

a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered headsection, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section beingadjacent to and having a smaller width that said body section; and

b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channelsdiagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corneredges of said female section, suitable for receiving in matingrelationship the tapered head section of said male section. 1

9. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting membercomprises:

a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending thelength of one edge of said section; and

b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending thelength-of one ,edge thereof suitable for receiving in matingrelationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

10. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting membercomprises:

a. a flexible male section having at least one stud having a headportion situated on an edge thereof; and

b. a flexible female section having at least one recessed area situatedon an edge thereof and suitable for receiving in mating relationship thestud of said male section.

l1. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein each section of saidconnecting member contains a substantially hollow interior area, saidsections being joined by at least one spring tensioned clip.

12. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting memberincludes fastening means attachable to said first and second neckbandsections in a releasably engageable manner.

13. Safety neckwear having a front necktie portion and a neckbandportion comprising:

a. a first neckband section and a second neckband section;

b. a connecting member suitable for joining together one end of saidfirst neckband section and one end of said second neckband section, saidconnecting member being comprised of a male and a female section joinedtogether in a releasably engageable manner whereby said sections arecompletely separable when worn by an individual by a pull upon the frontnecktie portion; and

c. a knot having attached thereto the remaining end of said firstneckband section and the remaining end of said second neckband portion.

14. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said neckband portionis adjustable.

15. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connectingmember comprises:

a. a flat flexible female section having an aperture which extendsthrough said section and a slot extending inwardly from a forward edgeof said portion to said aperture; and

b. a flat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surfacethereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding throughthe slot in said female section and a substantially spherical headportion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said femalesection.

16. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connectingmember comprises:

a. a longitudinal flat flexible male section having on the surfacethereof a transverse elevated ridge situated in close proximity to theend of said section; and

b. a flat longitudinal female section having at least one looppositioned on the surface thereof and extending transversely across saidsurface said loop being suitable for receiving said male section inmating relationship.

17. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connectingmember comprises:

a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered headsection, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section beingadjacent to and having a smaller width than said body section; and

b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channelsdiagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corneredges of said female section, suitable for receiving in matingrelationship the tapered head section of said male section.

18. Safety neckwear as definedin claim 13 wherein said connecting membercomprises:

a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending thelength of one edge of said section;

and b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extendingthe length of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in matingrelationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

19. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connectingmember comprises:

a. a flexible male section having at least one stud having a headportion situated on an edge thereof; and

b. a flexible female section having at least one recessed area situatedon an edge thereof and suitable for receiving in mating relationship thestud of said male section.

20. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein each section of saidconnecting member contains a substantially hollow interior area, saidsections being joined by at least one spring tensioned clip.

21. Neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting memberincludes fastening means attachable to said first and second neckbandsections in a releasably engageable manner.

1. Neckwear having a front neckwear portion and a neckband portioncomprising a first neckband section and a second neckband section, and aconnecting member suitable for joining together one end of said firstneckband section and one end of said second neckband section, saidconnecting member being comprised of a male section and a female sectionjoined together in a releasably engageable manner whereby said sectionsare completely separable from a pull upon the first neckwear portion. 2.Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said neckband portion isadjustable.
 3. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein the remaining endof said first neckband section and the remaining end of said secondneckband section are joined together by a knot.
 4. Neckwear as definedin claim 3 wherein the front neckwear portion is attached to said knot.5. Neckwear as defined in claim 4 wherein said neckwear portion containsa four-in-hand type knot.
 6. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein saidconnecting member comprises (a) a flat flexible female section having anaperture which extends through said section and a slOt extendinginwardly from a forward edge of said section to said aperture and (b) aflat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surfacethereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding throughthe slot in said female section and a substantially spherical headportion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said femalesection.
 7. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connectingmember comprises (a) a longitudinal flat flexible male section having onthe surface thereof a transverse elevated ridge situated in closeproximity to the end of said section and (b) a flat longitudinal femalesection having at least one loop positioned on the surface thereof andextending transversely across said surface said loop being suitable forreceiving said male section in mating relationship.
 8. Neckwear asdefined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flatflexible male section having a body section and a tapered head section,the narrowest portion of said tapered head section being adjacent to andhaving a smaller width that said body section; and b. a flat flexiblefemale section having complementary shaped channels diagonally disposedon the surface and in close proximity to the corner edges of said femalesection, suitable for receiving in mating relationship the tapered headsection of said male section.
 9. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid connecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having anelongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section; and b.a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending thelength of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationshipthe elongated ridge of said male section.
 10. Neckwear as defined inclaim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible malesection having at least one stud having a head portion situated on anedge thereof; and b. a flexible female section having at least onerecessed area situated on an edge thereof and suitable for receiving inmating relationship the stud of said male section.
 11. Neckwear asdefined in claim 1 wherein each section of said connecting membercontains a substantially hollow interior area, said sections beingjoined by at least one spring tensioned clip.
 12. Neckwear as defined inclaim 1 wherein said connecting member includes fastening meansattachable to said first and second neckband sections in a releasablyengageable manner.
 13. Safety neckwear having a front necktie portionand a neckband portion comprising: a. a first neckband section and asecond neckband section; b. a connecting member suitable for joiningtogether one end of said first neckband section and one end of saidsecond neckband section, said connecting member being comprised of amale and a female section joined together in a releasably engageablemanner whereby said sections are completely separable when worn by anindividual by a pull upon the front necktie portion; and c. a knothaving attached thereto the remaining end of said first neckband sectionand the remaining end of said second neckband portion.
 14. Safetyneckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said neckband portion isadjustable.
 15. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein saidconnecting member comprises: a. a flat flexible female section having anaperture which extends through said section and a slot extendinginwardly from a forward edge of said portion to said aperture; and b. aflat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surfacethereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding throughthe slot in said female section and a substantially spherical headportion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said femalesection.
 16. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein saidconnecting member comprises: a. a longitudinal flat flexible malesection having on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridgEsituated in close proximity to the end of said section; and b. a flatlongitudinal female section having at least one loop positioned on thesurface thereof and extending transversely across said surface said loopbeing suitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.17. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connectingmember comprises: a. a flat flexible male section having a body sectionand a tapered head section, the narrowest portion of said tapered headsection being adjacent to and having a smaller width than said bodysection; and b. a flat flexible female section having complementaryshaped channels diagonally disposed on the surface and in closeproximity to the corner edges of said female section, suitable forreceiving in mating relationship the tapered head section of said malesection.
 18. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein saidconnecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having anelongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section; and b.a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending thelength of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationshipthe elongated ridge of said male section.
 19. Safety neckwear as definedin claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible malesection having at least one stud having a head portion situated on anedge thereof; and b. a flexible female section having at least onerecessed area situated on an edge thereof and suitable for receiving inmating relationship the stud of said male section.
 20. Safety neckwearas defined in claim 13 wherein each section of said connecting membercontains a substantially hollow interior area, said sections beingjoined by at least one spring tensioned clip.
 21. Neckwear as defined inclaim 13 wherein said connecting member includes fastening meansattachable to said first and second neckband sections in a releasablyengageable manner.